We are responding to your interesting endorsement of Lorrin Freeman for Wake County District Attorney wherein you cite her indictment of a Wake County deputy for subduing a suspect reported to have a gun. It is only fair to mention that the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association is supporting the member deputy in his defense to reclaim his law enforcement career. It is fair to include that PBA has endorsed Ms. Freeman’s opponent, John Bryant. But, it is also fair to note Ms. Freeman’s denial of our request to have our member present himself before the grand jury in light of more than sixty years of decisional case law from our highest courts in addressing the unique and required duties of law enforcement officers when deploying force; case law that was either unknown or ignored by the D.A., who is now intent on sending a decorated law enforcement officer to prison.

We agree with your assessment that John Bryant is a worthy candidate for Wake County D.A.

However, we respectfully submit that he is the only candidate worthy of the trust of our law enforcement officers and the citizens they serve.

The NCPBA was proud to be on hand recently to present Certificates of Appreciate certificates to four deserving legislators. These legislators by their efforts have proven they support law enforcement officers and the values of the PBA. Certificates were presented to Rep. Steve Ross, Rep. Dennis Riddell, Rep. Jon Hardister, and Rep. Carla Cunningham.

The NCPBA was proud to be on hand June 26th to present their 'Legislative Excellence' award to five deserving legislators. These legislators by their efforts have proven they support law enforcement officers and the values of the PBA. Awards were presented to Rep. Holly Grange, Rep. Debra Conrad, Rep. Bobby Hanig, Rep. Billy Richardson, and Rep. David Lewis.

The NCPBA was proud to be on hand today as HB 348 passed the House by a 115-1 vote. HB 348 as originally filed by Rep. Holly Grange, Rep. Debra Conrad, Representative Bobby Hanig, and Rep. Billy Richardson offered protections from retaliation for municipal police officers who report corruption. The bill passed through the Judiciary Committee and was later given a referral to the Rules Committee by Rep. Lewis after Rep. Faircloth and Rep. Allen McNeill offered a PCS (Proposed Committee Substitute) that would protect all municipal employees. The PBA wants to thank all of these legislators for their efforts with this critical piece of legislation.